Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing in the Port Stephens area.

Ellah White, aged 12, was last seen leaving a school on Salamander Way, Salamander Bay, about 9.30am today (Tuesday 6 August 2024).

Unable to be located since, Ellah was reported missing to officers attached to Port Stephens- Hunter Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police and family have serious concerns for Ellah’s welfare due to her age.

Ellah is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of slim build, with long blonde curly hair.

She was last seen wearing blue long pants, a blue polo shirt and blue hooded jumper.

Ellah is known to frequent the Fingal Bay, Shoal Bay and Anna Bay areas.

Anyone with information into Ellah’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has died following a fatal single-vehicle crash in Newcastle today.

About 4.30pm (Tuesday 6 August 2024), emergency services were called to a petrol station on Mailand Road, Mayfield following reports the driver of a Toyota Camry had crashed into a fuel bowser after attempting to drive from the station.

The driver and only occupant – a man believed to be aged in his 80s – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Calvary Mater Hospital, where he later died.

The man is yet to be formally identified.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A keynote address by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe will lead discussions on clean energy, jobs and investment as City of Newcastle urges Novocastrians to become net zero champions.

This follows the successful launch of the Empowering Newcastle event series at City Hall last month attended by more than 800 Novocastrians to hear from Australian engineer, inventor and renewable energy entrepreneur Saul Griffith on electrifying Newcastle.Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy and Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.

Minister Sharpe will join Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, business leaders and members of the community at City Hall on August 17 to highlight the opportunities around the Hunter’s renewable energy transition.

Renewable energy experts and representatives from the NSW Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and EnergyCo will join the discussion, sharing details about the Hunter’ renewable energy zone and government initiatives to support a net zero transition.

City of Newcastle will share details of its Empowering Newcastle community program to support residents, businesses, schools and community groups to switch to renewable energy, electrify and create a net zero future, based on the Rewiring Australia model. 

Through the program, City of Newcastle will offer a range of online resources, and deliver a free Climate Champions training program later in the year, to equip emerging climate leaders with the knowledge and skills to deliver electrification campaigns and projects across the city.

City of Newcastle is also exploring the feasibility of a solar and battery bulk buy program to support the community to buy affordable, quality solar and battery systems from trusted suppliers, and will offer youth based and sustainability grants to drive local climate action.

Minister Sharpe said that the Hunter has led the conversation on how to put people at the heart of the changes we are seeing in how our energy needs are met.  

“We’re in the business of providing good secure jobs for the future and the Renewable Energy Zones are essential to this” Minister Sharpe said.

“Increasing the production of renewable energy as well as access to rooftop solar and batteries is good for the environment as we tackle climate change, will place downward pressure on bills and ensure that our State achieves net zero by 2050.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the opportunity to have key players in the city’s net zero future in the same room as part of City of Newcastle’s Empowering Newcastle event series.

“One our crowning achievements of the last decade is the planning, hard work and results that continue to move us further towards sustainability,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through our Newcastle Environment Strategy, we’re supporting the transition of our local government area to net zero emissions, encouraging an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries, electric or zero emissions transport and buildings, as well as community renewable energy projects.

“Our Empowering Newcastle event series is a way to encourage the community, business and industry to become involved in this transformation.

“Whether you’re across the clean energy transition or you’re just starting to take an interest, I’d strongly encourage you to be at City Hall on 17 August for this important and timely discussion.”

City of Newcastle will also host a roundtable to discuss electric vehicles and low emissions transport on 8 August. A host of stakeholders will be invited, including Transport for NSW, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the University of Newcastle, Business Hunter and Port of Newcastle, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to electric vehicles and low emissions transport in Newcastle. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the roundtable would be a welcome opportunity for City of Newcastle to engage with stakeholders with a common goal to tackle climate change and energy security.  

“We embrace our role in addressing climate and City of Newcastle has leadership we’re proud to share in response to this challenge we all face,” Cr Clausen said.  

“Hosting key stakeholders is a golden opportunity for City of Newcastle to align our plans with our industry partners, and help us to achieve our community’s commitment to be net zero by 2040.” 

To secure tickets to the free August 17 Empowering Newcastle event with Minister Sharpe at City Hall visit: trybooking.com/CSVXK

A Depression-era suburb born out of hardship and built by resilience will be preserved for future generations as part of a new exhibition set to open at Newcastle Museum tomorrow.

A Place Called Hollywood celebrates the spirit and resourcefulness of the people who created their own unofficial community in the bushland outside of Jesmond during the 1920s.

Former Hollywood residents and their descendants Steven Ward, Susan Rees and Barbara McCarthy with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird and Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki at the preview of Newcastle Museum’s new exhibition, A Place Called Hollywood.

Driven by the poverty and housing stress of the Great Depression, the informal settlement known as Hollywood provided a place of shelter and safety for up to 30 families for the next three decades.

Its existence, which in recent times had been confined to little more than memory, is being brought back to life through the exhibition developed by Newcastle Museum with support from Transport for NSW and Create NSW.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle Museum plays an important role in interpreting and preserving the stories and experiences of our city and its people.

“Newcastle Museum is on the cutting edge of contemporary museum practice and has been nationally recognised for its innovative exhibitions, which create insightful and immersive ways to interpret and preserve our city’s history,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This exhibition remembers a time and place where resilient and resourceful people overcame hardship to not only build their own homes, but foster the bonds of a tight-knit community.

“By exploring the experiences of the past, the exhibition also provides an important point of reflection on today’s housing crisis and insight into everyday lives built on creative solutions.

“I applaud the team at Newcastle Museum and the community members who helped them bring this little-known story to life and thank the NSW Government for their support to preserve another important aspect of our city’s history.” 

More than 2000 objects were unearthed by archaeological consultants Umwelt and Casey & Lowe at the site where Hollywood once stood, which now forms part of the footprint of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass Rankin Park to Jesmond project.

A selection of these items, including everything from glass bottles, plates and cutlery to children’s toys, jars of Vegemite and a bottle of bright pink nail polish, will be on display during the exhibition.

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said the Hollywood community is a significant part of Newcastle’s history. 

“This exhibition tells a story of resilience – of the people who sought refuge and built a community in the land which will now form part of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass,” Minister Graham said. 

“I’m delighted the NSW Government is helping to preserve the memory of a place that provided safety and community for many Novocastrians during the Great Depression.

“Congratulations to the Newcastle Museum, Transport for NSW and Create NSW on coming together to bring history to life. I’m sure there will be many people who will travel to see this exhibition and share their own fond memories of Hollywood.”

Photographic records and video recollections from those who lived there and their descendants will also help bring Hollywood to life for a new generation of Novocastrians.

Among those who shared their precious memories for the exhibition is Audrey Koosman OAM, who moved to Hollywood with her family as a baby and lived there until she was seven.

“It was just the most beautiful place to live in, the people who lived there were really decent people … and they were proud of the place. We were a very tight community,” Ms Koosman said.

Umwelt archaeologist Tim Adams, who worked on the survey of the site, said the exhibition provided an important window into the past.

“(Hollywood is) a Depression-era town … that no longer exists except in people’s memories and what we find,” Mr Adams said.

“People coming along to look at the artefacts and hear the stories will gain a connection to a very important part of the history and of the community here in Newcastle.” 

City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, thanked the community members whose contributions were vital to the exhibition.

“It is important for our Museum to share and preserve stories of the communities and residents who have made Newcastle what it is today. Through the history of Hollywood, like so many Newcastle stories, we can better understand our city,” Ms Baird said.

The free exhibition will open to the public tomorrow and remain on display in the Museum’s A Newcastle Story gallery until 2 February 2025.

A series of events will be delivered throughout the exhibition period, including a special session of Newcastle Libraries’ Memory Room program for people living with dementia and their carers, a guided tour by exhibition curator Bridie Moran, panel discussions and children’s programming.

Visit the Newcastle Museum website for more information.

Incident activity

• Ongoing – Today, 2:00am

Details

Saturday 3 to Monday 5 August 

• Buses replace trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange.
• Saturday and Sunday, buses also replace trains on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line.
• Monday, if you are connecting with Central Coast & Newcastle Line trains you may need to catch an earlier bus to ensure you meet your train connection.
  
• Replacement buses may be impacted by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
• Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus routes1AHU Telarah, then all stations to Tarro, then express to Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return4HU Dungog, then all stations to Maitland and return (Monday only)7HU Warabrook Station to Newcastle University shuttle bus8AHU Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, then Berowra, Hornsby and return (Saturday/Sunday)9HU Scone, then all stations to Lochinvar, then Morisset and return (Monday only)18HU Scone, then all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return19HU Dungog, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return26HU Singleton, all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return (Saturday/Sunday)28HU Muswellbrook, then all stations to Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return (Monday only)33HU Newcastle University, Sandgate, Hexham and return78HU Scone, then all stations to Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, then express to Berowra, Hornsby and return (Saturday/Sunday)79HU Singleton, then all stations to Maitland, then Victoria Street, Thornton, Beresfield, then express to Berowra, Hornsby and return (Saturday/Sunday)

A man has died following two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 3.50pm today (Monday 5 August 2024), emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Cliftleigh, following reports a car and truck had collided.

The driver of the car – a 31-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

The driver of the truck – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene, which will be forensically examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A keynote address by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe will lead discussions on clean energy, jobs and investment as City of Newcastle urges Novocastrians to become net zero champions.

This follows the successful launch of the Empowering Newcastle event series at City Hall last month attended by more than 800 Novocastrians to hear from Australian engineer, inventor and renewable energy entrepreneur Saul Griffith on electrifying Newcastle.Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy and Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.

Minister Sharpe will join Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, business leaders and members of the community at City Hall on August 17 to highlight the opportunities around the Hunter’s renewable energy transition.

Renewable energy experts and representatives from the NSW Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and EnergyCo will join the discussion, sharing details about the Hunter’ renewable energy zone and government initiatives to support a net zero transition.

City of Newcastle will share details of its Empowering Newcastle community program to support residents, businesses, schools and community groups to switch to renewable energy, electrify and create a net zero future, based on the Rewiring Australia model. 

Through the program, City of Newcastle will offer a range of online resources, and deliver a free Climate Champions training program later in the year, to equip emerging climate leaders with the knowledge and skills to deliver electrification campaigns and projects across the city.

City of Newcastle is also exploring the feasibility of a solar and battery bulk buy program to support the community to buy affordable, quality solar and battery systems from trusted suppliers, and will offer youth based and sustainability grants to drive local climate action.

Minister Sharpe said that the Hunter has led the conversation on how to put people at the heart of the changes we are seeing in how our energy needs are met.  

“We’re in the business of providing good secure jobs for the future and the Renewable Energy Zones are essential to this” Minister Sharpe said.

“Increasing the production of renewable energy as well as access to rooftop solar and batteries is good for the environment as we tackle climate change, will place downward pressure on bills and ensure that our State achieves net zero by 2050.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the opportunity to have key players in the city’s net zero future in the same room as part of City of Newcastle’s Empowering Newcastle event series.

“One our crowning achievements of the last decade is the planning, hard work and results that continue to move us further towards sustainability,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through our Newcastle Environment Strategy, we’re supporting the transition of our local government area to net zero emissions, encouraging an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries, electric or zero emissions transport and buildings, as well as community renewable energy projects.

“Our Empowering Newcastle event series is a way to encourage the community, business and industry to become involved in this transformation.

“Whether you’re across the clean energy transition or you’re just starting to take an interest, I’d strongly encourage you to be at City Hall on 17 August for this important and timely discussion.”

City of Newcastle will also host a roundtable to discuss electric vehicles and low emissions transport on 8 August. A host of stakeholders will be invited, including Transport for NSW, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the University of Newcastle, Business Hunter and Port of Newcastle, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to electric vehicles and low emissions transport in Newcastle. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the roundtable would be a welcome opportunity for City of Newcastle to engage with stakeholders with a common goal to tackle climate change and energy security.  

“We embrace our role in addressing climate and City of Newcastle has leadership we’re proud to share in response to this challenge we all face,” Cr Clausen said.  

“Hosting key stakeholders is a golden opportunity for City of Newcastle to align our plans with our industry partners, and help us to achieve our community’s commitment to be net zero by 2040.” 

To secure tickets to the free August 17 Empowering Newcastle event with Minister Sharpe at City Hall visit: trybooking.com/CSVXK

A man has died after a three-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 7.30pm yesterday (Friday 2 August 2024), emergency services responded to reports of a three-vehicle crash along Cessnock Road, Gillieston Heights, approximately 5km south of Maitland.

The driver of one of the vehicles – a 44-year-old man – died at the scene.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the other drivers – a 40-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman – at the scene.

The 40-year-old man was taken to John Hunter Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The woman was assessed at the scene for minor injuries.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene that was later examined by specialist police.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Local primary school students will have the chance to design the city’s next water safety poster as part of a City of Newcastle program that has been saving lives for almost 60 years.

More than 150 Jesmond Public School students were amongst the first participants in this year’s Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered annually by City of Newcastle’s lifeguards since 1966.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins City of Newcastle lifeguards Julian Boag, Dan Collins and Lily Forbes, and vice captains Rocky Stevenson and Vienna Wills at Jesmond Public School for a Water Safety Education session.The free program teaches students vital water safety lessons they’re being asked to incorporate into a poster, with the winning design to be displayed across the city’s five inland swimming centres.

With close to 280 drowning deaths across Australia every year, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important to empower kids with the water safety knowledge to keep them safe.

“We are so lucky to have a stunning coastline and lots of swimming spots to enjoy in Newcastle, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and what we can do to minimise them,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Over the next eight weeks our amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff will utilise their extensive skills and experience to educate more than 13,000 students about dangerous water conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.     

“This year’s poster competition not only gives students a chance to see their artwork displayed at our inland pools, but it is a great way to reinforce the lessons they learn through the Water Safety Education Program and to share them with the wider community.”

The school visits form one of City of Newcastle’s most significant youth engagement programs and are a key component of the overall approach to water safety.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle lifeguards commit more than 700 hours each year to educating and promoting water safety messages across the city, with delivery of the program being a highlight for many.

“Our lifeguards are passionate about engaging students in fun, smart and interactive ways to help prevent aquatic accidents and drownings,” Ms Duffy said.  

“Encouraging students to tap into their creative side to design a water safety poster is another way we can ensure the next generation understands and appreciates these potentially life-saving lessons.”

Students from the school with the winning design will also have the chance to cool off with a fun-filled pool party at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in the lead up to summer.

Art lovers are being given an early glimpse of the six-metre-wide suspended sculpture that will eventually fill the atrium and greet visitors at the new-look Newcastle Art Gallery.

Seventh generation Novocastrian and proud Awabakal descendant Shellie Smith has completed the design and concept proposal for the work of art, which will be made up of 30 cast aluminium fish shimmering in a spiralling school.

Councillor Margaret Wood, Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, Councillor Deahnna Richardson, artist Julie Squires, artist Shellie Smith, Councillor Carol Duncan, and Newcastle Art Gallery Society President, Prue Viggers OAM and Vice Chair Gael Davies OAM with part of the commissioned work.Inspired by Smith’s personal stories of fishing with her grandmother in the Port Stephens area, the work will be visible from the ground floor and first-floor corridor, which will connect the existing building with the new galleries.

Fellow artist and fabricator Julie Squires will work with Shellie to produce the sculpture, which will be based on Smith’s original fibre weaving.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this is the first of three new major works of art being planned for the expanded gallery.

“It’s fitting that two of our prominent local artists will collaborate to create an inspiring welcome to the Newcastle Art Gallery, where visitors will have access to exhibitions from home and abroad,” Cr Nelmes said.

Ms Smith said the sculpture was partly inspired by an incredibly rare Aboriginal artefact she was privileged to view as part of the Smithsonian collection in Washington DC.

“It’s one of only a few intact possum skin cloaks in the world and features patterns and iconography of fish, people and water etched into the leather surface,” Ms Smith said.

“I feel so privileged to be given this opportunity to tell a story that’s really personal to me, but also very connected to Newcastle.

“This is one of my first major commissions. It’s a very large and substantial work for me.

“I’d really like to thank the Newcastle Art Gallery Society for supporting this commission, and I’m also really grateful to the Awabakal descendants for supporting me.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said Shellie Smith’s work provides a special connection to Country.

“As part of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, we are committed to recognising, acknowledging and celebrating the Awabakal and Worimi people’s strength, resilience and living culture,” Cr Richardson said.

“Shellie’s work uses First Nations traditional weaving techniques, drawing inspiration from Awabakal patterns and iconography. It will be a fitting tribute to the traditional owners of the land on which the Art Gallery stands.”

City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group Chair, Councillor Carol Duncan said this work of art is another key step in creating a space that will attract Novocastrians and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will only enhance our reputation as a city that’s known for its culture,” Cr Duncan said.

“It will allow us to increase Newcastle’s opportunities in the areas of employment, education and the economy while celebrating the arts and Aboriginal culture.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery Society is supporting the project with a donation of $30,000.

“Newcastle Art Gallery Society is delighted to be associated with the acquisition of this work, one that records the history of Newcastle, while recognising the wealth of talented local artists in the city,” Society President Prue Viggers OAM said.

“Since the Art Gallery Society’s inception 55 years ago the proud tradition of assisting with the acquisition of works of art for the Gallery’s collection will be continued.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it will be exciting to have new works of art displayed alongside the gallery’s nationally significant collection.

“The completed Art Gallery will feature an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space, enabling us to show off more of our $126 million collection as well as some of the best touring exhibitions,” Director Morton OAM said.

“We look forward to announcing more commissions for the expanded Art Gallery in the near future.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. 

A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.